Having moved across the globe when she was just a teenager, TikTok and Instagram sensation, Torry Hermann knows a thing or two about not making it home for the Holidays - and she's the first to admit that it's not always easy.
That being said, she's adamant that putting things into perspective can make a world of difference.
TheThings caught up with Torry to hear about how she's made the best of solo Christmases in the past, as well as her advice for fans who find themselves in the same situation.
Torry Shares How She Spent Her First Christmas Away From Family
Asked if she found her first Holiday season away from home to be the hardest, Torry chuckles a resounding "no."
"Honestly," she explains, "my first year I was very happy and excited to be alone because I felt so 'adult' without my parents in Canada to watch what I was doing."
She goes on to say that she can't even fully remember how she ended up spending that first Christmas - though she jokes that she won't rule out the possibility that she "went to some sort of a house party or a club with fake ID."
Torry Opens Up About When The Homesickness Did Kick In
While Torry's first Christmas abroad wasn't an emotional one, she admits that the same can't be said for her second.
"That's when it really did hit me."
"I was missing my family so much and most of my friends went back home for Christmas. I didn't have money to buy a ticket and neither did my parents, so I ended up being by myself and crying throughout the whole Holiday season."
"It felt very lonely," she reflects.
Asked what got her through it, she shrugs, "every medal has its own reverse. If you immigrated for a chance to a better life, there are some things you will have to sacrifice - and being able to have your family next to you 24/7 is one of those things."
Torry's Advice For Fans Who Won't Make It Home For The Holidays
Aside from trying to keep everything in perspective, Torry explains that getting tactical is the key to handling Holidays away from family.
"Tell yourself that next Christmas, you will do everything possible - and impossible! - to be able to spend the Holiday season with your loved ones. Make it your goal."
Torry goes on to suggest that in the case of financial constraints, "set up a little piggy bank to start saving for flights to be with your family next year."
"Also," she implores, "know that no matter how far away from each other family members are, their love does not decrease."
Torry Reveals That This Year, She Will Be Spending The Holidays With All Her Loved Ones
Torry may have missed out on Christmas with family in the past, but she beams at the fact that this year, that won't be the case.
"For the first time, after many, many years celebrating New Years and Christmas alone, this year I will be surrounded by everybody I love: family, friends and my baby dog. We're all going on a nice local getaway."
As a bonus, she adds, "I will celebrate my birthday - January 2nd - there as well!"
A Holiday wish come true, if ever there was one!
So, if you do find yourself away from home this Holiday season, don't despair: a Christmas reunion may be on the cards for you next year, too. Until then, stay strong - and we can highly recommend binge-watching Torry's TikTok content to make it through those tough moments.
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